Utilising Rewards Programs for Work

LWK1991 on 16/12/2016 - 23:06

Hi All, I am a long time lurker but first time poster.

I have been browsing OzBargain for quite some time and have taken advantage of many deals which are available but I was hoping to get some advise on the best way to utilise my situation with work expenses.

Basically, I do a lot of travelling for work and I am provided two options. One option is to be issued a corporate credit card and another option is to simply use my own credit card and I submit an expense report and any work related travel expenses gets reimbursed directly into my account.

Because so many loyalty programs are available (flights, hotel, credit cards) exist this could give me a lot of ways to earn points on my work expenses.

So to summarise, this is what I would be spending over the course of an average 3 month period:

1) $6000 AUD on flights. I can choose my own airline and both major Australian airlines fly to and from my destinations. I book flexible economy tickets.
2) $1000 AUD on hotels. Again, I choose my own hotels with what is available in a given city.
3) $300 AUD on taxis. Not much choice here, need to go from A to B.
4) $150 AUD on meals.
5) Up to $700 on rental cars (all the major rental car agencies available in my destinations).

The first obious lurk would be to have a high point earning credit card affilated with one of the major airlines. Which one would be best for my situation? What about the best hotel rewards program?

Regards,
John

General Discussion

Comments

  • spackbace on 16/12/2016 - 23:11
    +4

    Probably Amex and claim all the cashbacks. Work pays you back the amount it cost, but Amex gives you the further cashback.

  • apple2016 on 16/12/2016 - 23:46
    +1

    As long as everything is fine it's not an issue. The issue come up when things go wrong. Eg the rental car is damaged and the rental company takes the excess from your card. It for these reasons I would not recommend using your personal card when you have a company cc as well.

    • WK1991 on 17/12/2016 - 00:08

      Yes you are right I always opt for excess reduction or elimination on rental cars.

  • try2bhelpful on 17/12/2016 - 07:32
    +1

    The thing to keep in mind is how solvent the company you work for it, and if they are likely to refuse to reimburse any of your expenses. I have a few friends who have worked for companies that went under leaving them with significant debts where they paid with their own credit cards and, when the time came for reimbursement, the company couldn't/wouldn't pay. If your employer is a large company, and have clearly defined rules you are keeping to, then fine - but if the company is small or "problematic" to deal with then you might still want to consider the company credit card.

  • airzone on 17/12/2016 - 11:33
    +2

    Personally I'd take the company one..

    Company policy aside, the debt is the company's liability, not yours. I've had a company card in the past that would have had a material impact on my credit rating if it were in my name.

  • bluesky on 18/12/2016 - 17:38

    I agree with airzone, I would not want the liability to be mine.
    I recall in the past when I was given a company credit card, the points from my spend was still mine - I could transfer it to my own frequent flyer program. Check the corporate card they will be issuing you. Maybe it has generous rewards too.

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